As Luke recounts Jesus’ raising of the widow’s son in Nain, he does so in a way meant to make his audience recall the deeds of the prophet Elijah. Luke even goes so far as to use some of the exact phrasing used in the Old Testament accounts (“gave him to his mother”). Luke also tells the story in such a way as to indicate something greater is happening here. Jesus simply commands the raising and it happens (reminiscent of the power of God at Creation to evoke action through speech), Elijah has to stretch himself across the body and then request action from God (1 Kings 17:21).

Elijah’s actions in 1 Kings appear to be motivated by verifying his identity as a prophet of God. Jesus’ actions on the other hand, while pointing to his identity, stem from his compassion for the widow (Luke 7:13). Which begs the question, where is Jesus’ compassion shown today? It is shown in the actions of organizations such as Lutheran World Relief and Lutheran Disaster response, and we are participants in it as we support their work. However, the call to us is deeper than that. We are called not only to support but to be Christ’s compassion active in the world. So that as people witness our life together they may be moved to say, “God has looked favorably on his people!” (Luke 7:16)

St. Paul’s News and Notes: St. Paul’s Quilters continue to meet every Monday at 9 a.m. All are invited to pick up a copy of Introducing the Missional Church and read it along with people throughout the Synod. Discussion questions are available. Have you discovered Faith Five? Give it a try today.